Public fish salvage lifted at Jumbo (Julesburg) Reservoir

 

SEDGWICK AND LOGAN COUNTIES, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife is lifting the emergency public fish salvage at Jumbo (Julesburg) Reservoir immediately (Oct. 8).   The emergency public fish salvage was enacted on Aug. 24 due to high irrigation demand created by severe drought. It was expected that the reservoir would decline to a point that would likely result in a loss of the entire fishery resource. However, irrigation demands have decreased since the salvage was initiated and the reservoir has received water following recent storms. Anglers are expected to revert to fishing under the normal regulations: - Minimum size for walleye and saugeye is 15 inches (only one can exceed 21 inches) - Minimum size for wiper is 15 inches - Minimum size for crappie is 10 inches - Statewide bag and possession limits also apply - Anyone 18 or older must have a valid hunting or fishing license to access the property "We are pleased that Jumbo was not completely drained as anticipated, and that the reservoir did not suffer a fish kill during this drought," said Area Aquatic Biologist Mandi Brandt. “It will take some time for the reservoir to completely refill, but the incoming water should support the fishery for now. Anglers are still welcome to fish the reservoir, but must obey the normal regulations as of Oct. 8. We will know more about the fishery if we are able to sample it this fall, but it appears the fish survived the low water levels and anglers can expect good fishing again next spring."  During the fish salvage, anglers were catching mostly channel catfish, black bullheads, and bluegills. Walleye fishing from the shore was not as productive.  The boat ramp at Jumbo Reservoir will remain closed for the season, which means boating both from gas and electric motors is prohibited until the ramp reopens next spring. The boat ramp usually closes between the end of September and mid-October, depending on the availability of the ANS Inspection Station.  Members of the public can still enjoy shore fishing and other types of boating, like in a kayak or canoe. Any use of ANS-exempt non-motorized boats must be hand-launched. Visitors will not be able to drive their vehicle down to the water's edge, due to the low water levels. Similar to all northeastern plains reservoirs, Jumbo Reservoir was constructed to store irrigation water for agricultural use first and is utilized secondarily for recreational purposes. Jason Clay Northeast Region Public Information Officer 303-291-7234 / jason.clay@state.co.us  @CPW_NE